About Us: Meet Our Team
Meet our experienced pelvic floor and lower back treatment team, with 20+ years of experience.
Zarina, owner of Pelvic Health NJ, received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Purdue University, and received her Master's in Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University. Her clinical studies include training at St. Augustine University as an Orthopedic Spine Specialist, the Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification, all three level certified in Low Pressure Fitness (LPF), and currently working on the Therapeutic Pain Specialist (TPS) Certification. Outside of her clinical studies, Zarina has completed Visceral Mobilization (VM) training and CranioSacral Therapy (CST) training from The Barral Institute, along with extensive training in Arvigo Abdominal Massage Therapy, Mastery Certification in Manual Therapy (MCMT), and a certification in Jessica Drummond's Functional Nutrition for Rehabilitation Professionals for Pelvic Pain (FNRP) at the Integrative Women's Health Institute. A strong advocate of female, male and pediatric pelvic floor dysfunction, she is one of only two physical therapists in the US who have been trained by Dr. David Wise, author of Headache in the Pelvis, to carry out his specific pelvic floor pain protocol. Zarina is constantly expanding her techniques on how to further treat complex pelvic floor conditions such as gender reassignment surgery and chronic varieties of pain such as CRPS. Zarina is a continual guest lecturer at Kean University, and has lectured at the Herman & Wallace Institute and at physician rounds in the Morristown and Overlook Hospitals. Within the local mom community, Zarina has also developed a very strong reputation for treating DRA and pelvic floor dysfunction associated with prenatal & postpartum conditions. She uses a “whole trunk” method in treating diastasis recti (DRA) which has led to a high success rate within her patients. When not treating patients and taking new courses, she is an active contributor to The Echenberg Institute for Pelvic & Sexual Pain by Dr. Robert J. Echenberg. She continues to mentor with Dr. Robert J. Echenberg and Dr. Kenneth Peters, learning from two of the most prolific minds in the pelvic floor world to further her knowledge in PF dysfunction. She is currently working on publishing a manual that will address different kinds of chronic pain and different way to address them through physical therapy, as well as developing an abdominal brace to help postpartum mothers recover faster.
Shannon graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 2012, becoming a NJ licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in 2016. Her interest in movement and healing began at a young age after being involved in dance classes and with the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. Shannon has extensive experience in orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, post-operative rehab, and sports injuries of all ages. She completed multiple Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor courses, obtained her Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist (PCES) certification, and has furthered her manual techniques in fascial counterstrain with The Jones Institute, which focuses on removing trapped inflammation from the body in a gentle manner. She looks forward to pursuing more knowledge in order to provide well-rounded, evidence based treatments for those suffering from urinary incontinence, female and male pelvic floor dysfunctions, and pre- and postpartum health. In her spare time, she still takes hip hop dance classes with her mom!
Courses
- Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor Level 1
- Herman and Wallace Pelvic Floor 2a
- Herman and Wallace Male Pelvic Floor
- Herman and Wallace Mobilization of the Visceral Fascia: The Urinary System
- Herman and Wallace Sacral Nerve Manual Assessment and Treatment
- Herman and Wallace Pudendal Neuralgia and Nerve Entrapment
- Herman and Wallace Pregnant and Postpartum Rehabilitation Special Topics
- PCES: Pregnancy and Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist
- The Jones Institute Fascial Counterstrain (FCS) F1 Foundations
- The Jones Institute FCS Musculoskeletal System: Cartilage & Superficial Fascia (MSK-C)
- Postural Restoration Institute (PRI): Pelvis Restoration
Registered classes for 2025: The Jones Institute FCS: The Lymphatic-Venous System: Part I (LV1), The Lymphatic-Venous System: Part II (LV2), The Visceral System (VC), The Nervous System Part I: Autonomics & Cranial Nerves(N1)
Postural Restoration Institute: Postural Respiration, Myokinematic Restoration
Caroline graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Salisbury University in Maryland in 2017, and graduated with honors with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Seton Hall University in New Jersey in 2020. Her passion for Pelvic Health therapy is inspired by her mom’s lifelong career as a Labor and Delivery nurse.
Caroline has worked with people of all ages in a variety of clinical settings, treating everything from orthopedic and neurological conditions to developmental diagnoses and complex disabilities. She has a special interest in how the brain and body work together, and loves helping people reconnect with their bodies through movement, motor planning, and the principles of neuroplasticity.
Caroline is excited to continue growing her skills through Pelvic Health and manual therapy courses, always aiming to provide thoughtful, compassionate, and personalized care to every client she meets. When she’s not in the clinic, Caroline enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing on the beach, and getting lost in a good book.
Courses
Herman and Wallace Pelvic Function Level 1
Herman and Wallace Male Pelvic Floor
Assessing Abdominal Pressure and Breathing in Pelvic and Back Pain patients by Jill Cramp, PT, DPT
Evidence-Based Strength and Conditioning Applications for Pregnant and Postpartum Clients
Comprehensive Adult Pelvic Health Rehabilitation by Selena Pemberton, MOT, OTR/L
Neuroplasticity for Children and Includes Primitive Reflex Integration by Colleen Carey
Pediatric Application of Focal and Whole-Body Vibration by Elizabeth Harvey, PT, DPT
Neurodevelopmental Treatment, Utilizing NDT in Pediatric Practice by Karen Pryor, PT
Deidre-Ann Dias is a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant specializing in pelvic floor rehabilitation. With years of hands-on experience, she expertly addresses a wide range of pelvic health concerns, including urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, diastasis recti, and post-surgical recovery. Her approach combines evidence-based techniques of manual therapy and individualized exercise programs to restore function and enhance quality of life.
Born and raised in Jamaica, Deidre-Ann brings a compassionate, culturally sensitive perspective to her practice, ensuring every patient feels heard and supported. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about community outreach and education, empowering individuals to learn about and take control of their pelvic health.
Dr. Alexandro Saraceno is a dedicated Chiropractor with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health with optimal movement. Graduating from Montclair State University and furthering his studies at Life University in Georgia, he specializes in Chiropractic medicine with a focus on migraine treatment. Dr. Saraceno's personal experience as a migraine sufferer inspired him to pursue a career in Chiropractic Care, having witnessed the transformative effects it had on his own life. Deeply committed to his community, he volunteered in Haiti post-Earthquake to provide essential chiropractic services and community support. Dr. Saraceno's holistic approach to healthcare and his genuine concern for the well-being of others make him a valuable asset to those seeking natural and effective solutions for their health concerns.
May is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over fourteen years of experience as a nurse practitioner. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and then went on to earning bachelor and master in nursing degrees with honors from Columbia University. She has worked as a nurse practitioner at Mt. Sinai Roosevelt Hospital in NYC, NYU Langone and a private concierge medical practice in Texas.
May became a nurse practitioner after realizing how crucial is optimal health, especially garnering an interest in techniques to sustain a high quality of life. She loves new adventures with her husband and two young daughters. With any spare time, May enjoys working out and reading.
Yovana is a highly experienced and trained professional in medical coding and billing. She received high honors from the medical coding and billing program, located in New Jersey, that she graduated from. Yovana has many years of experience working in healthcare as a coding and billing professional. When not at the Pelvic Health Physical Therapy office, she spends time baking at home with her daughters and chasing her granddaughter around the house.
With over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Puja has specialized in disease management across a wide range of conditions, including cancer, mental health, immunological disorders, heart disease,, and pain management. She holds a BS and BSE from MIT and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Wharton. Throughout her career, Puja has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of disease care, working with healthcare systems to improve outcomes and patient care. She brings this expertise in healthcare strategy and disease management to her dedication to empower women with personalized health solutions that focus on long-term well-being, particularly during the perimenopausal and menopausal stages.
Frequently Asked Questions, and Answers
What is pelvic floor physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.
While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.
How do I know if pelvic floor physical therapy will help me?
Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and even set up a free consultation if you choose.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Check our availability on Google and call us today.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.
To bring on your first visit:
- A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
- Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
Will treatment hurt?
Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.
Does insurance cover my treatment?
Yes, in most cases it does. Our office will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.
What if I don't have insurance?
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
What type of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably with clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. For treatments, loose fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.
How long will my therapy sessions last?
Typically, the first session lasts for an hour and 15 minutes (75 min). Each session afterwards is approximately 45-60 minutes. Your therapist will discuss the necessary amount of time they will spend treating you based on your specific needs.
How many sessions will I have?
Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you. Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by your physical therapist.
What types of education/training do your therapists have?
Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.
Do you offer programs for me once I'm better?
Yes! Once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program. We can make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.
